Peyton Manning: I’m 36, my arm isn’t the same as when I was 22

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning acknowledges that he doesn’t have the arm strength he used to. But Manning says that’s because of age, not injury.

Manning told Jim Rome on Rome that he can’t say how close he is to 100 percent recovered after having multiple neck surgeries and missing the entire season in 2011. But he will say that he thinks losing arm strength is mostly just a function of being older, not a function of last year’s injury.

“I still have strength to recover, still have work to do,” Manning said. “I am 36 years old. My arm has a lot of yards and a lot of touchdowns on it, so it’s probably not going to be the same as it was when it was 22, but I still think it can complete some passes. I can move the chains and hopefully get our offense into the end zone this year.”

The real question for Manning isn’t how his arm strength at age 36 compares to his arm strength at age 22. It’s how his arm strength at age 36 compares to his arm strength at age 34. If Manning can be more or less the same player this year that he was in 2010, then the Broncos have one of the best players in the NFL under center.

The good news for the Broncos is that Manning’s brain has always been a bigger part of his game than his arm.

…and neither is his neck. I sincerely hope he doesn’t wind up paralyzed (or worse). I respect Peyton and believe that he is the greatest QB to ever walk onto a football field. I’d never hope to see his career end in tragedy, no matter how much I dislike the Denver Donkeys.

vols84 says:Aug 14, 2012 7:42 PM

Peyton Hillis and Jamal Charles can’t wait to welcome you to Arrowhead

brutus9448 says:Aug 14, 2012 7:45 PM

that’s what marino said right before he was done. And you’ll see it in the out patterns when the CBs jump the route before the ball gets there because its slow

I’ve followed Peyton’s entire career, and he looks considerably weaker throwing the ball. But in his defense, so does Brady. The difference is that Manning is a monster in the weight room, and Brady doesnt know where the weight room is.

“If Manning can be more or less the same player this year that he was in 2010, then the Broncos have one of the best players in the NFL under center.”
Keep in mind the quality of Manning’s play in 2010: while he led the league in passing yards, he also led the league (to a higher degree) in attempts. The results generated a QB rating of 91.9, good for 10th best in the league, and a yards per attempt of 6.9, which was below the league average of 7.0, good for 19th in the league.
Sorry, those number do not say “one of the best players in the NFL” to me.

yssupasigninnamnotyep says:Aug 14, 2012 8:38 PM

‘My arm has a lot of yards and a lot of touchdowns on it’.

The brainiac MegaHead neglected to mention it has a lot of picks on it also…keep throwing those ducks to the opponents please.

fatguystrangler says:Aug 14, 2012 8:40 PM

I want badly to see Peyton succeed this season. Do I think he’ll win another MVP this season? Unlikely. However, If he builds a good rapport with the WR’s in Denver, I believe there’s just enough left in the tank to make some noise. I don’t think he wants to go out a shell of himself.

croghan1919 says:Aug 14, 2012 8:52 PM

threespeedfan says:
Aug 14, 2012 8:23 PM

“If Manning can be more or less the same player this year that he was in 2010, then the Broncos have one of the best players in the NFL under center.”
Keep in mind the quality of Manning’s play in 2010: while he led the league in passing yards, he also led the league (to a higher degree) in attempts. The results generated a QB rating of 91.9, good for 10th best in the league,……………. Sorry, those number do not say “one of the best players in the NFL” to me.
________________________________

Also keep in mind the supporting cast of the 2010 Colts and the 2012 Broncos.

spellingcops says:Aug 14, 2012 8:56 PM

vols84
Aug 14, 2012, 5:42 PM MDT
Peyton Hillis and Jamal Charles can’t wait to welcome you to Arrowhead
————
So genius boy, what exactly are two players playing offense going to do to Manning again? Just when you think Raider fans are the dumbest on Earth…

7pints says:Aug 14, 2012 8:56 PM

yssupasigninnamnotyep,

Such a clever handle, slick. I think you mistook Peyton for your starting QB. Palmer followed by Leinart and Pryor. Lol, that’s awesome!

tiger7575 says:Aug 14, 2012 8:57 PM

Dear, “stealersownyou” is that the same
James “cheap shot” Harrison that watched DT sprint to the end zone in January?

I’m a Pats fan, it is just a simple fact that Tom Brady, who once had the strongest arm in the league, has lost some juice off his fastball. The Pats haven’t needed a deep threat since Moss left town because Brady cant make the throws anymore. Thats why the Patriots run a possession offense now, you wont see Tommy throwing any bombs this season.

yssupasigninnamnotyep: nice to see that Manning is living rent free in your head that you’d actually be pathetic enough to goto the trouble of registering a username referencing him and trolling every thread invoking his name – maybe you’ll move out of your mom’s basement at some point in life but for now, all one can do is pity you

Father time catches up to everyone at some point but the Mannings, the Bradys, the Brees’s, the Rodgers and the like will last a little bit longer than the last decade of crop of quarterbacks because of the ability to use their brains first and their arms second. In Peyton’s case he will probably last until he is 39 or 40, and call it career, the yards, the touchdowns, the MVPs, the accolades are enough, I feel he is at least one to two more Super Bowls from going down as a top 3 quarterback in NFL history, but father time eventually will tap him on the shoulder and hopefully he retire on his own terms as his boss John Elway versus losing strength in his arm and neck and such

his passes looked fluttery and slow in that first pre-season game.
I expect him to regain strength quickly now that he can throw but if he doesn’t get his normal strength back it will limit what he can do

Obviously none of you are from Denver and haven’t seen his camp. He looks amazing! He’s not going to tell the whole world that he feels great man. If he says he feels better you guys will jump on him as soon as he makes a mistake.. He’s still better than 27 others QBs in this league at the age of 36 and that’s way better than that joke Tebow. You should really check out that new Del Rio defense because they look killer. And to the guy who said he threw that pick to the Saints, yeah he sure did, and that guy (Tracy Porter) is starting opposite of Champ. Broncos Country ain’t worried baby!

Haters keep hatin’. Steelers own who? Imagine if all those other passes were on target. You wouldn’t have made it to overtime. The oline wouldn’t have had to hold for 8 seconds. A qb that knows where the ball is going before the snap is going to make this offense so much better. They will know what he’s going to do, not have to wonder like the rest of us. Long live Mile High Magic! See you week 1 steeler fan!

istateyourname says:Aug 14, 2012 9:51 PM

Wait, did he go third person on his arm?
Jimmie’s arm, just flappin’ in the breeze…

slightlyhyphy says:Aug 14, 2012 9:54 PM

“steelersownyou says: Aug 14, 2012 6:42 PM

Wait til james harrison hits him in week 1… He’ll forget about that weak arm when his neck snaps like a twig…The End….”

Good luck with that one…particularly given that James Harrison probably will need arthroscopic knee surgery and most likely wouldn’t play week 1 anyway.

yssupasigninnamnotyep: nice to see that Manning is living rent free in your head that you’d actually be pathetic enough to goto the trouble of registering a username referencing him and trolling every thread invoking his name – maybe you’ll move out of your mom’s basement at some point in life but for now, all one can do is pity you

Sorry mods, you are just showing your hypocrisy by deleting this post while tolerating scumbags like Exhibit A here vitriol and hate towards one of the game’s classiest players of all time

throw 15 yards bombs… but whats going to happen when facing a corner who knows Manning cant hit the 15 yard out route with any speed?
__________________________
15 is not a damn bomb dude! 50 yards is a BOMB! Dumb*ss

It will hinge on his offensive line. Defenses are going to make decker their number one priority so manning cant go there every pass. He will need time to throw to Thomas because Thomas is a more downfield receiver, which takes more time. He really doesn’t have many other options. But manning is known for making unknowns stars, so we will see.

Some people on here fail to realize many other players have had the same procedure done as Manning(albeit not for their neck), and came back and played just as long if not longer than they would have. He has been cleared to play since December.

throw 15 yards bombs… but whats going to happen when facing a corner who knows Manning cant hit the 15 yard out route with any speed?
__________________________
15 is not a damn bomb dude! 50 yards is a BOMB! Dumb*ss

Let me debunk a couple things these Donkey fans mistakingly believe to be true. First, Del Rio isn’t the answer to all your problems on defense. Yeah, he’s a decent d-coordinator, but he’s not on the field. He has no decent d-tackles to work with. This isn’t Jacksonville where he had John Henderson and Marcus Stroud in their primes clogging up the middle of the field and collapsing the pocket. He has a broken down Ty Warren, never good Justin Bannan, never good Kevin Vickerson, and rookie Derek Wolfe (who won’t be very good) to work with. Ouch, that’s not a good group. Teams will run the ball all day on this D and keep Manning off the field.

Secondly, this notion about the O-line being so much better with Manning is absurd. Denver’s line rarely faced a hard rush up the field because of Tebow. Why? Because if you rush too hard up the field and the D-ends go beyond the pocket or don’t maintain their gaps, then Tebow just pulls the ball down and takes off. Tebow’s running ability presents a lot more problems for the defense than he’s been given credit for. His ability to take off at any time puts a lot of pressure on the defense to stay disciplined. That discipline includes a less upfield approach to the pass rush. Maintaining your gap responsibilities is a must for any defense (especially the D lineman) when facing Tebow or other QB’s that can run very well like Vick and Newton.

The point is the Bronco lineman were not under a lot of duress when Tebow went back to pass, no matter how long he was back there looking for a receiver. The Bronco lineman (who are below average as a group) are really going to find out what pressure is this season when teams come at a stationary Manning like he’s never been rushed before.

I’m really looking forward to that first Bronco/Steeler game. This game will show exactly what’s going to happen to Manning all year. I’m no Steeler fan, but I expect Pittsburgh to harass Manning all night. He’ll be pressured into bad throws, and his reduced arm strength will really show when he doesn’t have time to set his feet and plant. I can see the Steelers sacking Manning at least four times and forcing him into at least two picks. Unfortunately, that’s how it’s going to go for most of the season too for Denver.

defscottyb says:Aug 15, 2012 2:09 AM

Why even admit to that? Just opens the door for doubters and critics. Keep that to yourself.

Manning will end up being a bust.
Bet on it.
A DR friend of mine says that no one could ever be the same after what Manning has undergone.
He will be a shell of his former self and the Bronco’s only paid 20+ million to get it. I hope Elway is fired after this season.

Let me debunk a couple things these Donkey fans mistakingly believe to be true. First, Del Rio isn’t the answer to all your problems on defense. Yeah, he’s a decent d-coordinator, but he’s not on the field. He has no decent d-tackles to work with. This isn’t Jacksonville where he had John Henderson and Marcus Stroud in their primes clogging up the middle of the field and collapsing the pocket. He has a broken down Ty Warren, never good Justin Bannan, never good Kevin Vickerson, and rookie Derek Wolfe (who won’t be very good) to work with. Ouch, that’s not a good group. Teams will run the ball all day on this D and keep Manning off the field.

Secondly, this notion about the O-line being so much better with Manning is absurd. Denver’s line rarely faced a hard rush up the field because of Tebow. Why? Because if you rush too hard up the field and the D-ends go beyond the pocket or don’t maintain their gaps, then Tebow just pulls the ball down and takes off. Tebow’s running ability presents a lot more problems for the defense than he’s been given credit for. His ability to take off at any time puts a lot of pressure on the defense to stay disciplined. That discipline includes a less upfield approach to the pass rush. Maintaining your gap responsibilities is a must for any defense (especially the D lineman) when facing Tebow or other QB’s that can run very well like Vick and Newton.

The point is the Bronco lineman were not under a lot of duress when Tebow went back to pass, no matter how long he was back there looking for a receiver. The Bronco lineman (who are below average as a group) are really going to find out what pressure is this season when teams come at a stationary Manning like he’s never been rushed before.

I’m really looking forward to that first Bronco/Steeler game. This game will show exactly what’s going to happen to Manning all year. I’m no Steeler fan, but I expect Pittsburgh to harass Manning all night. He’ll be pressured into bad throws, and his reduced arm strength will really show when he doesn’t have time to set his feet and plant. I can see the Steelers sacking Manning at least four times and forcing him into at least two picks. Unfortunately, that’s how it’s going to go for most of the season too for Denver.

Wow, using a Denver type hide to post a slam. GTH idiot, wait for the season to scary after we beat you with a second string QB. Big Ben? Pig pen idiot. He’s not untouchable as your delusional mind thinks. He’s 3 years from retirement, well short of Peyton or Elway. Playing the part of the “Big Bad Quarterback” has certain disadvantages. He’ll pay for them this year, if he hasn’t already. Tool

wolfmanpatriot says:Aug 15, 2012 6:25 AM

Dungy built a fabulous offense for Manning. I superb line to protect him and receivers that could get open super quick. Manning rarely held onto the ball longer than 2 seconds.
When a defender breathed on Manning, he went fetal on the way to the turf. He had no heart.

He had a great arm and studied defenses thoroughly. Add the hurry up gimmick to that and a great team made him look better than he was. Two seasons ago, his GM voted to have a ref behind the qb. When they learned in pre season that the ref spotting the ball, then getting 10 yards behind the qb took away from the hurry up. Manning complained and the rule somehow got changed back. So much for player safety and seeing the dirty hits it was installed to expose.

I look forward to an average line and receivers showing just how average a QB he always was. I am thinking the steelers force him to throw the ball away when not diving to the turf to avoid contact. Then, a bunch of Marino like complaining at his players.

mattamp says:
Aug 14, 2012 11:06 PM
“When his neck snaps like a twig?” Sounds like a Steeler fan. Intent to injure doesn’t belong in any sport but boxing. A..hole!

*******************************************
I think you might be misinterpreting what’s being said there. I hate the Steelers too boss but Ive been saying all along that its only going to take one good hit and they might be planning Manning’s funeral. My brother had the exact same surgery to his vertebrae that Manning had and he was in pain till the day he died from pain killers and booze trying to cover it. If you look at the initial press conferences back in April or May when Manning first signed, Manning couldnt even turn his head to one side. You have to watch them over and over again to notice it but he turns his whole body to one side (i believe its the right) to look that direction. Forget the arm strength, his neck is the problem and he is taking his life in his own hands here. No matter who hits him, its going to be viewed as an over-the-top hit. Darryl Stingley was perfectly healthy when he got hit by The Assassin and ended up in a scooter the rest of his life.

animalkindness says:Aug 15, 2012 7:34 AM

I have watched Peyton Manning his entire NFL life, come on you guys, the coaches, owners, trainers and doctors are not stupid. That man would not be on any field if he could not do the job. He always downplays his strengths.
Also, does anyone think in this league “now” that any player is planning on taking him out? Really???

Let me debunk a couple things these Donkey fans mistakingly believe to be true. First, Del Rio isn’t the answer to all your problems on defense. Yeah, he’s a decent d-coordinator, but he’s not on the field. He has no decent d-tackles to work with. This isn’t Jacksonville where he had John Henderson and Marcus Stroud in their primes clogging up the middle of the field and collapsing the pocket. He has a broken down Ty Warren, never good Justin Bannan, never good Kevin Vickerson, and rookie Derek Wolfe (who won’t be very good) to work with. Ouch, that’s not a good group. Teams will run the ball all day on this D and keep Manning off the field.

Secondly, this notion about the O-line being so much better with Manning is absurd. Denver’s line rarely faced a hard rush up the field because of Tebow. Why? Because if you rush too hard up the field and the D-ends go beyond the pocket or don’t maintain their gaps, then Tebow just pulls the ball down and takes off. Tebow’s running ability presents a lot more problems for the defense than he’s been given credit for. His ability to take off at any time puts a lot of pressure on the defense to stay disciplined. That discipline includes a less upfield approach to the pass rush. Maintaining your gap responsibilities is a must for any defense (especially the D lineman) when facing Tebow or other QB’s that can run very well like Vick and Newton.

The point is the Bronco lineman were not under a lot of duress when Tebow went back to pass, no matter how long he was back there looking for a receiver. The Bronco lineman (who are below average as a group) are really going to find out what pressure is this season when teams come at a stationary Manning like he’s never been rushed before.

I’m really looking forward to that first Bronco/Steeler game. This game will show exactly what’s going to happen to Manning all year. I’m no Steeler fan, but I expect Pittsburgh to harass Manning all night. He’ll be pressured into bad throws, and his reduced arm strength will really show when he doesn’t have time to set his feet and plant. I can see the Steelers sacking Manning at least four times and forcing him into at least two picks. Unfortunately, that’s how it’s going to go for most of the season too for Denver.
————————————————
So Mr insightful analysis, where was that Raider’s offense you have been preaching about constantly? Run DMC looked good for two runs, but then they had to pull him so he didn’t get injured again. Other than that, I’m not sure that joke of a team could score on a college defense. You might want to worry more about that dumpster fire in the black $hit hole rather than try to analyze the Broncos. You’re a Raiders fan, you wouldn’t know what a winning football team looks like anyway. Go somewhere else you disgusting troll.

villa41 says:Aug 15, 2012 9:31 AM

spellingcops says:
Aug 15, 2012 8:40 AM
————————————————

Just like most of the Broco fans resorting to insults because they have no real analysis to offer and don’t know football. I’m a Raider fan and love football. I know the rosters of the other AFC West teams as well as I know my team. I know your roster better than you do.

As for the Raider offense, it looked fine moving the ball on the first team Dallas D outside of Jacoby Ford. Ford outright dropped two first down balls, and, really, could have caught the deep ball with more effort. DMAC looks scary good, Palmer looks good, and the O-line good. Sorry, pal, I’m not worried about a preseason game where the starters played a few snaps and some starters (like Denarius Moore who’s Palmer’s top target) didn’t even play.

I was more concerned with the play of the first team D. And low and behold, Allen and Tarver look like they have coached up the talent that has been there the last few years to another level. The first team D completely smothered Dallas. Hell, even after Oakland pulled the first team D and Dallas left Romo and most of the Cowboy starters in, Oakland still allowed Dallas nothing. The first team D is playing well should really scare you. I know Oakland will move the ball on just about anyonr this season. If the D has really improved to even mediocre, then the Raiders take the West.

Looking forward to week four, sunshine.

lumbaz says:Aug 15, 2012 9:31 AM

“Wait til james harrison hits him in week 1… He’ll forget about that weak arm when his neck snaps like a twig…The End….”

Last time I checked Harrison has not even practiced yet in 2012 and is going in for knee surgery. He may not even be suited up???

Let him see how his arm and neck feels after Tommy Kelly slams him to the ground..
Mannning is going to be carried out on a stretcher once they play the Raiders. Dennis Allen is going to be dialing up the blitz on this guy, Manning is going to beg to retire after Broncos play the Raiders..
Manning you are the bounty..Raiders are coming for you

The thing that franchise quarterbacks lose (as neurologically speaking we all do as we get on the wrong side of 30) is process reaction time. In laymans football terms the time between seeing something open and the time the ball leaves your hand. The rare exception of Elway winning back to back was a product of the NUMBER 1 RUSHING ATTACK IN the NFL. THE Broncos had one of the best offensive lines in all of football. And Elway was VERY familiar with his system and they also had a top notched DEFENSE. So WHAT does the 2012 DENVER Broncos have in common with that team? Despite Von Miller being a stud the defense Wasn’t ranked EVEN top 15 last year. And they lost a lot off that defense. THEY WILL HAVE TO STOP THE RUN AGAINST SOME GREAT RUNNING TEAMS.

What I noticed from the Bears game was that the Broncos drove the ball down the field seemlessly. Even as some say, “balls were tipped” or “almost intercepted” then “intercepted” …He also got all day to pass and he was able to pick up pretty good chunks of yards on Third down. Overlooked was they were able to pick up yards on the ground, something he didn’t have in INDY.

I looked at the drive as him having all day to pass and running the ball effective, and if that were to be the case for the entire game, even despite the turnover, any good quarterback is gonna beat you.